Hiking Corsica:Isle of Beauty
9 Days
Hiking Corsica: Isle ofBeauty
Join an extraordinary adventure to the Mediterranean island of Corsica — a hikers'
paradise. Discover the cliffs and peaks soaring above white-sand beaches, and dazzling
vistas from atop those very peaks. Take in the red-granite formations of the Calanches
de Piana, lush canyons, chestnut forests, and storybook mountain lakes. Set out from
the port town of Porto to the tiny village of Girolata, follow a high-ridge trail, and head
down to the coast to laze on sandy beaches. Along the way, enjoy authentic Corsican
cuisine and stay in comfortable accommodations.
Arrive: Ajaccio, France
Depart: Calvi, France
Duration: 9 Days
Group Size: 4-16 Guests
Minimum Age: 16 Years Old
Activity Level:
.
Details Testimonials
"Corsica is Europe's best-kept secret. It has it all inone space: beaches like Greece, hills like Scotland,rocks like New Zealand. A true gem!"
David S.
"Breathtaking hikes expose the island's culturaltraditions and hidden treasures. An incredible wayto reconnect with nature and experience a differentside of France."
Regina P.
REASON #01
MT Sobek's custom designed trip
takes you to an achievable section
of the GR20 trail — one of the
toughest hikes in Europe — without
camping or sleeping in huts.
REASON #02
Get the inside scoop on
one of Europe's best hiking
destinations with expert local
French Corsican guides, who
know the island inside out.
REASON #03
Explore Corsica's historic,
cultural and urban life,
breathtaking mountains, and
sandy beaches, while avoiding
the mass of beach tourists!
ACTIVITIES
Moderate to challenging hikes,
scenic drives, culture tours,
and tastings of local delicacies,
all the while taking in the
island's majestic landscapes.
LODGING
Waterfront hotels, converted
historic monasteries, and riverside
retreats all feature excellent
service, great views, and the
full spectrum of amenities.
CLIMATE
Corsica is dry, Mediterranean,
and unshaded. In the mountains
it is cool with possible storms.
Born and raised by Corsican parents, Alex spent much of
his childhood exploring and playing in the mountains of
Corsica, traveling back and forth from the continent. In 2006,
he successfully passed his mountain leader certification and
now lives full time on the Island of Beauty: he can now explore
and play in the mountains professionally. Alex is an amateur
photographer and is keen to share his love of Corsica with his
guests. Friendly, outgoing, full of anecdotes, and a fountain of
knowledge, Alex is a great traveling companion, not to mention
a caring guide.
Alex Antongiorgi
Eve lives in Nonza, Cap Corse, in the Northern part of Corsica.
After completing her studies in Paris, she decided to return to
her grandmother's tiny village where only 40 people live during
the winter. She enjoys the serenity she finds in its untouched
environment, halfway between the sea, the forests and the
summits. Eve knows the island inside out and passionately
shares her extensive knowledge of local culture, history,
traditions, plants and rocks. Eve is also a certified yoga teacher
and can also provide advice on how to manage your effort,
during and after a hike.
Eve Schneider
ItineraryARRIVE IN AJACCIO, CORSICA
Start the adventure in Ajaccio, the island's capital, and the birthplace of Napoleon. Transfer from the Ajaccio
airport to the hotel, secluded along the untamed coastline. Have a briefing at 6pm, followed by a festive welcome
dinner.
DAY 1
Meals: D
DISCOVER THE CALANCHES DE PIANA
Meet the guides in the morning and transfer to the Calanches de Piana (about 90 minutes by car) for the first
hike. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these blood red pinnacles soar out of the jagged coastline,
creating improbable inlets and shapes. The hiking trail meanders through the red rock, rising high above the
plunging cliffs, with jaw-dropping viewpoints over the sea. Spot your home for the next three nights, the tiny port
village of Porto nestled below the granite cliffs. Enjoy dinner together this evening.
DAY 2
Activity: 3 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,530' elevation gain & loss
Meals: B, L, D
EXPLORE THE VILLAGE OF EVISA & THE SPELUNCA GORGE
Head into the hills and enter the village of Evisa, perched high above the sea, surrounded by vast forests of
chestnut and pine. Follow the deeply encased Spelunca Gorge on a centuries-old mule track, which still has
remnants of its cobbled path and stone walls. Enjoy a riverside picnic and an opportunity to swim. Take in
Genoese bridges, 200-year-old marvels of stone architecture, and end in the equally charming village of Ota
before returning to Porto. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of the restaurants on the port.
DAY 3
Activity: 4 hours/5 miles hiking with 492' elevation gain & 1,968' elevation loss
Meals: B, L
REACH THE SPECTACULAR GIROLATA VILLAGE
Just north of Porto follow the Mare e Monti path that links the sea to the mountains. Take in the maquis
vegetation of heather, boxwood, and Corsican pine, and descend to a secluded beach for a dip and a picnic.
Continue along the Sentier du Facteur — "the mailman's path" — the one path a mailman took for 30 years to
deliver the mail to the village of Girolata. Marvel at the handful of golden-stone homes huddled on a promontory
above the bay. Return to Porto by boat and enjoy dinner together.
DAY 4
Activity: 2 hours/3 miles hiking with 350' elevation gain & 1,150' elevation loss
Meals: B, L, D
HIKE ON THE FAMOUS GR20 TO CORTE
Get an early start and transfer to the Col de Vergio pass (90 minutes by minibus). Tackle the famous GR20 hiking
path, the toughest and arguably most spectacular trail in all of Europe. Cover one of its most majestic sections,
along switchbacks up to a grassy crestline with dazzling views to the sea below, and to the fairy-tale Lac de
Nino Lake surrounded by deep-green grassy bogs with the backdrop of serrated summits. Continue by vehicle
through canyon roads to reach the town of Corte, home for the next three nights.
DAY 5
Activity: 5.5-6 hours/12 miles hiking with 2,624' elevation gain & loss
Meals: B, L, D
FOLLOW THE MANGANELLO RIVER TO A SHEPHERD'S HUT
Today, begin the hike in the lost village of Canaglia, along the leisurely Mare a Mare route through the center of
the island, following alongside the Manganello River. Reach a remote shepherd's hut on a clearing with views of
high summits, and savor a picnic lunch featuring local cheeses and charcuterie. Hike back and return to Corte
by minivan. Take the time to meander through the streets of the island's historic capital, before having dinner
together in the center.
DAY 6
Activity: 3 hours/6 miles hiking with 985' elevation gain & loss
Meals: B, L, D
HIKE TO LAC MELO
Wake up before sunrise and take the minibus on a 30-minute ascent up the Restonica Valley. Hike up a rocky
path to one of Corsica's most emblematic glacial lakes, Lac Melo, at 5,576 feet surrounded by imposing
cliffs. Interested in some easy scrambling (with chains and ladders to assist)? Opt to continue up to Lac di
Capitello, some 650-feet higher. Head back down and enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to the hotel for a free
afternoon. Enjoy dinner together in town.
DAY 7
Activity: 4 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,804' elevation gain & loss
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 8 TAKE A SCENIC TRAIN RIDE ON THE MICHELINE TO CALVI
No trip to Corsica is complete without an excursion on its train, affectionately known as 'The Micheline.' Built
for the vertiginous and difficult slopes of Corsica, the train ride showcases awe-inspiring vistas as it snakes its
way through the mountains before reaching the coastline. The guides wait in Calvi for a short walk to a secluded
beach for a feast of local grilled fish at a little restaurant. Then take a walk along a coastal path, ending the
afternoon on the beaches of Calvi. Enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner together.
Activity: 2 hours/3 miles hiking with 330' elevation gain & loss
Meals: B, L, D
DEPART FROM CALVI
Your trip ends after breakfast with a transfer from the hotel to the airport or to Calvi port.
DAY 9
Meals: B
May 19 - 27, 2019
Jun 9 - 17, 2019
Sep 15 - 23, 2019
Oct 6 - 14, 2019
May 17 - 25, 2020
Jun 7 - 15, 2020
Sep 6 - 14, 2020
Sep 27 - Oct 5, 2020
2019
$ 5,195 per person
Additional Cost
$ 700 Single Supplement
2020
$ 5,295 per person
Additional Cost
$ 900 Single Supplement
PRICE INCLUDESExpert leadership from experienced adventureguides
Accommodations as noted in the itinerary
Meals as noted in the daily itinerary
Potable water and snacks throughout
1 glass of wine or beer at dinner
All tips and gratuities for support staff with theexception of your lead adventure guide(s)All group entrance fees, activities, and groundtransportation
Arrival and departure day airport transfers
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDEInternational airfare, any airport taxes, or excessbaggage charges
1 dinner on Day 3
Optional tips to your lead adventure guides
Personal expenses such as medical immunizations,phone calls, laundry, or souvenirs
Airport transfers if arriving outside of Day 1
Optional travel protection